A toddler has died after being attacked by a dog at her family home.
Bella-Rae Birch, a 17-month-old toddler, was attacked in St. Helens, Merseyside, in England’s northwest, at about 3:50 pm on Monday, March 21. The baby girl has been killed by an out-of-control dog bought by her family a week ago.
Police confirmed they were called to a house on Bidston Avenue. At the scene, they found a 17-month-old girl had been attacked by a dog.
The girl was rushed to the hospital for treatment, but she died a short time later from her injuries. Officers said the dog was only bought by the family a week ago.
The dog was handed over to police when they arrived at the scene and it has since been destroyed. The dog will be subject to further forensic examinations to determine the breed of dog and whether it is, or isn’t a legal breed under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
An investigation has now been launched and officers are working to identify the animal’s previous owners. Detectives said her family are “absolutely devastated” and put the dog to sleep following the tragic incident.
Officers remained at the scene on Bidston Avenue throughout the day while extensive CCTV, witness, and house-to-house inquiries were carried out. It’s believed the pet had only been bought by the family last week.
Lisa Milligan, the detective inspector for Merseyside Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time.point 265 |
The little girl’s parents and wider family are absolutely devastated and our specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support at this horrendous time.point 146 | ”point 149 | 1
She continued: “Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history.”
“Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue this evening and in the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community and we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances.”
“Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously. Over the past years we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets,” she added.
Neighbors in Blackbrook spoke of their shock after the 17-month-old died of her injuries following Monday’s attack. Joanne Matthews, 53, said: “She was such a beautiful little girl, toddling about. I’d see the family in passing, just to say hello, and they were always very pleasant.”
Ms. Matthews said she saw an ambulance outside the house in Bidston Avenue and then about 10 police vehicles arrive. She said: “I saw them bring the dog out. I couldn’t tell what breed it was but from the back, it looked like a Staffordshire bull terrier or pit bull.”
Another neighbor, who did not want to be named, said she got home from the shops at about 4:30 pm, when the area was busy with police.
She said: “The mom was on the field at the front of the house crying. She was hysterical. It is usually very quiet here and safe for children, but when you hear something like this has happened it is so distressing.”
In 1991, the government introduced the Dangerous Dogs Act banning four breeds, which are often used for fighting. The dog breeds banned in the UK include Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero.
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